West Midlands company fined £150,000 over driver's death following lorry accident

Lorry accident leads to company fine

27.10.2006

A company has been fined £150,000 over the death of a driver crushed by a reversing lorry in the West Midlands.

Neil Prestage, 48, of Southwell, Notts, was visiting Nightfreight (Great Britain) Limited in Willenhall when the accident took place. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brought the case after Mr Prestage, from another firm, died in 2002.

Nightfreight admitted breaching health and safety legislation and was ordered to pay costs of £91,000.

Speaking after the case at Wolverhampton Crown Court, the HSE said the death of Mr Prestage was the "tragic result of a failure to manage workplace transport" at the site.

HSE investigating inspector Dr Wai-Kin Liu said: "Every year 70 people are killed and 2,000 more are seriously injured in incidents involving vehicles at work.

Those with responsibilities for workplace transport must ensure they are complying with the law to stop this deadly toll. Carrying out a risk assessment for workplace transport and making sure that it is practical and effective is sensible health and safety."

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, our solicitors can help. Fill in our online claims form for free legal advice.

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